Collins Letsoalo faces summons from Scopa in RAF investigation

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) is set to summon former CEO of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) Collins Letsoalo to appear before its inquiry, following his alleged failure to respond to a final letter of demand aimed at securing his voluntary appearance.

The parliamentary inquiry is probing maladministration, financial impropriety, and misuse of public funds at the RAF.

Since the commencement of testimonies earlier this month, several witnesses have implicated Letsoalo in key decisions detrimental to the entity’s well-being.

The former CEO, whose contract was not renewed a few months ago, previously challenged the authority of Scopa to conduct the parliamentary inquiry into the affairs of the RAF, preferring the Portfolio Committee on Transport to take charge.

At its meeting held on Thursday night, parliamentary legal advisor Fatima Ebrahim updated members of the committee on Letsoalo's non-response, indicating that he had not yet replied to the final opportunity for voluntary appearance offered to him.

Scopa Chairperson Songezo Zibi underscored the significance of obtaining complete information.

“It is fair to him and it is fair for the process as a whole so that our recommendations are of the quality that is required,” he said.

In light of Letsoalo's silence, Zibi proposed that the committee move forward with issuing a summons while simultaneously seeking the concurrence of National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza.

“One of the options we got is if, in the intervening period, once he secures a subpoena, Mr Letsoalo presents himself before the committee. We will treat it as a voluntary appearance if he gets in touch.”

DA MP Patrick Atkinson said Letsoalo was completely central to everything the committee was doing, and just about every question they got could be linked back to him.

“He is really central to the whole thing, and that was made very clear by everyone who has given evidence that, at the end of the day, it appeared he ran everything, he gave instructions, and no one dared to cross him really,” Atkinson said.

This sentiment was echoed by ANC MP Gijimani Skosana, who argued that Letsoalo had been given a chance to appear on the previously suggested dates and advised to even consult his legal representative.

“From what we heard from Ms Ebrahim, there has been no response from him in relation to that. I think we are left with no option but to start that process of summoning him,” said Skosana.

ANC MP Tintswalo Bila reinforced this sentiment.

“We can’t continue begging him because he was occupying the office of responsibility, so he has to come and account to the committee,” Bila said.

UDM MP Thandi Nontenja also supported the issuing of summons, saying they have to take action.

“He has a lot to answer. He has been given enough opportunity. It is up to him to subject himself to being subpoenaed,” said Nontenja.

Zibi said they will write to Letsoalo informing him of their next step and seeking to issue a summons to demonstrate that they have done their bit to adequately notify him.

“On our side, we have done everything we can to make sure he is accommodated in terms of time and logistics involved,” he added.

Neither the EFF nor the MK Party was present when the decision was taken.

mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za